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'He's so silky smooth, he's oozed class': Owen Hargreaves praises Arsenal debutant Thomas Partey as he says defensive midfielder has passing range of a No 10... and Martin Keown compares new boy to Patrick Vieira!

In his first start for new club Arsenal Thomas Partey could not have received higher praise, following an electric start to his Gunners career.

The defensive midfielder was handed his first start by manager Mikel Arteta in Thursday's Europa League opener away to Rapid Vienna.

And Partey's all-action approach to get stuck into the match was immediately noticed by both Martin Keown and Owen Hargreaves, with the Arsenal legend comparing him to none other than Patrick Vieira.

Thomas Partey has been widely praised for his performance on his first Arsenal start
Martin Keown has already drawn comparisons with Partey and club legend Patrick Vieira

Partey made an explosive start in central midfield, winning balls for his new side while leaving opponents for dead with the use of his power, pace and nimble footwork.